End of diversity hiring? IBM agrees to $17 million settlement with Trump admin in anti-DEI probe

IBM has reached a settlement with the US federal government on Friday — agreeing to pay $17 million to resolve an anti-DEI investigation. The Donald Trump administration has come down heavily against diversity, equity and inclusion practices over the past year with executive orders escalating pressure on the private sector.

The Department of Justice has accused the New York-based technology firm of “knowingly” making “false claims” about its hiring and employment practices in federal contracts. The settlement document also accused IBM of identifying “diverse” candidates for hiring or promotions while developing race and sex demographic goals. IBM has denied the accusations and the settlement added that their agreement was not an admission of guilt.